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Camping
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Established Camping

Stove Prairie

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

This location is open during the Federal government lapse in funding.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Stove Prairie, near Larimer, Colorado, is a charming campground that offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for a weekend escape. With tent and RV sites nestled close to the Cache La Poudre River, you can enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water while soaking in the stunning natural beauty around you.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained pit toilets and trash disposal options, which campers appreciate. Many visitors have highlighted the picturesque views, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a great spot for photography or simply unwinding with a cup of coffee by the river. One camper noted, “Had a beautiful spot on the river to fish and swim or just relax.”

While the campground is conveniently located near the highway, some campers have mentioned that the noise can be noticeable, especially from certain sites. However, the proximity to outdoor activities like fishing, tubing, and hiking in nearby state parks adds to its appeal. If you’re looking for a place to kick back and enjoy nature, Stove Prairie is a solid choice.

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Location

Stove Prairie is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Fort Collins, take Highway 14 northwest for 26 miles, to the campground.

Coordinates

40.6833861 N
105.3966472 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Bellaire Lake Campground

Bellaire Lake Campground

36 min away

West Lake

West Lake

42 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 25, 2023

Poudre Canyon

This was our third time staying in the Poudre Canyon. This spot is probably better suited for Rv’s however having said that it was still an amazing weekend. Gorgeous temperatures, stunning sunrises and sunsets with temperatures ranging from 40-80 degrees.

Had a beautiful spot on the river to fish and swim or just relax with a nice cup of coffee.

Not a lot of shade at this spot at least so be prepared. However caught Ana amazing show at the Mishawaka right up the road!

All in all an amazing weekend of activities and fun!

Site2
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Jinho T., September 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Jinho T., September 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Jinho T., September 25, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2022

Lovely quick trip & clean but close to the road

October '22 $25/night, $7 3rd car fee We arrived at 5pm and got the last car spot on a Tuesday, the walk-in tent sites were totally open. The river is SO close to these spots and it's just gorgeous. It was a great sound barrier at night and was fun to explore since the water level is low this time of year. It was freezing at night but then we realized the inside layer of our comforter was all bunched at the bottom, once we fixed it we were totally fine inside our tent. Bathrooms were clean and the fire pits/bear boxes were clean and well maintained. No rust or nasty spots, & little to no trash in sight! Yay! Dumpster available to clean up after yourself, friendly interaction with the site manager whose spot is up at Ansel Watrous where the firewood is.

Site9
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Wren H., October 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Wren H., October 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Wren H., October 5, 2022
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jan. 1, 2022

Nice get away.

Tent sites are really nice and close to the river.

Sitetent site
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Cody L., January 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Cody L., January 1, 2022
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  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2021

Apple for the camper

Open May- October 

Sites 9 including 4 walk-in tent 

All sites with tent pad have a bear locker 

Reservation: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov 

Fees reservation on line $9.00 Call Center $10.00 on top of camping fees 

Open Mid May- Mid Oct

 Pit toilets picnic table fire ring/grill 

Beautiful backdrop of bare mountain with some trees in the campground which is a bonus. The Cache La Poudre River runs alongside the campground with the clear water cascading over rock and boulders. BEAUTIFUL. The campground is situated along the highway and can be noisy. Try to pick a spot along side the river. In the fall check out the apple trees that are on the campground area. Great solar sites

Directions: Drive 10 miles north of Fort Collins on US Highway 287. Turn left(west) onto Colorado Highway 14 (Poudre Canyon) and travel 16 miles. The campground is located on the north side of the road. The drive on along Highway 14 is a major treat and the best part of this campground. 

LNT 

Pack it in Pack it Out 

Stay safe and happy travels

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by N I., October 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by N I., October 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by N I., October 17, 2021
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2020

Great little spot for a couple of days

This campground was really clean and well-maintained. The bathrooms were pristine! We were at site 7 and it was a beautiful spot! The only negative is that it’s kind of close to the road and we could hear traffic.

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020

Canyon Car Noise

Cool campground, but beware the highway noise is pretty terrible.  We were in one of the sites on the highway and I bet some of the smaller sites on the opposite end of the campground would have been better as the river noise might drown it out. 

Otherwise, this is a perfectly fine campground.  It can get super hot in the summer so come prepared.  

We saw all kinds of fun water activities including tubing, fishing and even swimming in the calmer area.  There are also two fantastic State Parks nearby- Lory and Horsetooth Reservoir.  These parks can get crowded on the weekends so if you are planning a day trip-go early.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Sarah F., August 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Sarah F., August 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Sarah F., August 3, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

BEAUTIFUL and private

This campsite was stunning and super private. There are only 8 campsites, so if you reserve several of them, there aren't a lot of other people to worry about. You can basically set your chairs IN the river. We went the 1st weekend in August, and the weather was perfect. The water is cold but super refreshing when it's hot. Lots and lots of shade, very beautiful. Very private too, the ranger only came around to check the tags on the campsite and make sure everyone had paid. Highly recommend!

Site3-8
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2016

Easy roadside camping that felt more remote

Convenient and easy roadside/riverside camping that felt like it was more remote than it actually was. This campground is ideal for anyone paddling the Narrows section of the Poudre to use as a take out or a put in for the lower sections.

On this early spring trip when the water was high and most of the river was unrunnable, we were able to show up in the middle of the night without a reservation and easily find a campsite. I imagine 'in-season' when the water is lower, and warmer a campsite here might be hard to come by.

We stayed in campsite #1, which is a large RV site that is right next to the road. The site was huge, level and easy to get into with our Sprinter van. It seemed like it would be easy to get into in a large RV as well, even though it was right on the corner of the circle by the entrance to the campground. We heard ZERO road noise, although that could be because the river was so high that was all you could hear (you actually almost had to yell, to talk to each other around the fire pit!)

  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Tracy B., June 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Tracy B., June 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Stove Prairie by Tracy B., June 22, 2016
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Stove Prairie Campground located in Colorado?

Stove Prairie Campground is located in the scenic Poudre Canyon of northern Colorado. The campground sits along the Poudre River, adjacent to Highway 14, which runs through the canyon. This roadside campground offers a convenient base for exploring the natural beauty of the Poudre Canyon area while providing direct access to the river. The campground's setting combines mountain views with riverside relaxation, though its proximity to the highway means some traffic noise may be noticeable.

What camping options are available in Poudre Canyon near Stove Prairie?

Stove Prairie Campground offers 9 sites, including 4 walk-in tent sites that are especially popular. The campground features both standard car camping spots and the more secluded tent sites, with the latter positioned closer to the river. The campground is typically open from mid-May through mid-October, with a fee of $25 per night plus additional charges for extra vehicles. All sites with tent pads include bear lockers for food storage. Amenities include pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Can you camp along the Poudre River at Stove Prairie Campground?

Yes, camping along the Poudre River is one of the highlights of Stove Prairie Campground. The walk-in tent sites are positioned extremely close to the river, allowing campers to essentially set up chairs right by the water's edge. This proximity creates a wonderful natural sound barrier that helps mask highway noise and provides a peaceful camping experience. The riverside location is ideal for fishing and water activities, particularly for paddlers using the campground as a put-in or take-out point for kayaking or rafting the Poudre River.

How close is Stove Prairie Campground to Fort Collins and Mishawaka Amphitheatre?

Stove Prairie Campground is conveniently located within driving distance of Fort Collins, making it a popular weekend getaway destination for city residents. The campground's position in Poudre Canyon provides a wilderness experience that feels remote despite being relatively accessible from town. While specific mileage to Fort Collins isn't mentioned, the campground's location makes it suitable for those wanting to enjoy natural surroundings without venturing too far from urban amenities. For those interested in catching shows at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre, the campground serves as a practical accommodation option when attending concerts in the canyon.